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Introduction: Why Python Is the Perfect Language to Start With

Python is often called the “beginner’s best friend,” and for good reason. It’s one of the most readable, versatile, and widely used programming languages in the world. Whether you’re diving into data science, AI, web development, or automation, Python is the go-to tool that bridges simplicity with power.

If you’ve never written a line of code before, this guide will help you create and run your first Python script in less than 10 minutes no prior experience required. By the end, you’ll understand how Python works, how to run your code, and how to make your computer do something cool!

Step 1: Set Up Your Python Environment

Before writing your first Python script, you need to ensure Python is installed on your system.

Check If You Already Have Python

Open your terminal (Mac/Linux) or Command Prompt (Windows) and type:

python --version

or

python3 --version

If you see a version number like Python 3.10.6, you’re all set. If not, head to  and install the latest version (Python 3.x).

Choose an Editor

You can write Python scripts in any text editor, but here are a few popular options:

• VS Code – beginner-friendly and feature-rich

• PyCharm – ideal for large projects

• Jupyter Notebook – great for data analysis

• IDLE – comes pre-installed with Python

Once your setup is ready, it’s time to write your first script!

Step 2: Create Your First Python Script File

In your chosen editor, create a new file called:

hello.py

This will be your first Python script. The “.py” extension tells your computer that the file contains Python code.

Step 3: Write Your First Python Program

Now, type this line of code inside your hello.py file:

print("Hello, World!")

This single line is powerful it prints a message on the screen.

???? What’s Happening Here?

• print() is a function that displays text or numbers.

• The text inside the parentheses and quotes ("Hello, World!") is a string.

• When you run the file, Python will read the code line by line and execute it.

Step 4: Run the Python Script

Now, let’s see your code in action.

On Windows:

Open Command Prompt, navigate to the folder where you saved the script, and run:

python hello.py

or (if Python 3 is your default version):

python3 hello.py

On macOS/Linux:

Open your terminal and do the same.

You should see this output:

Hello, World!

Congratulations you just ran your first Python script!

Step 5: Add Variables and Data Types

Now that you’ve mastered your first print statement, let’s make your script a bit smarter.

Add the following code below your existing line:

name = "Alex"
age = 25
print("My name is", name, "and I am", age, "years old.")

Explanation:

• name and age are variables that store information.

• Strings ("Alex") are enclosed in quotes, while numbers (25) are not.

• print() can take multiple arguments separated by commas.

When you run this script again, you’ll get:

Hello, World!
My name is Alex and I am 25 years old.

You’ve now combined text, numbers, and logic key building blocks of every Python program.

Step 6: Accept User Input

What if you want to make your program interactive?
You can use the input() function to take data from the user.

Replace the previous code with this:

name = input("What is your name? ")
print("Hello,", name, "Welcome to Python programming!")

Example Output:

What is your name? Alex
Hello, Alex Welcome to Python programming!

Now your script interacts dynamically making it more engaging and real-world friendly.

Step 7: Add Simple Logic with If-Else

Let’s add a touch of logic. This will introduce conditional statements, which allow your program to make decisions.

age = int(input("Enter your age: "))

if age >= 18:
    print("You are eligible to vote.")
else:
    print("Sorry, you are too young to vote.")

Explanation:

• int() converts user input from text to a number.

• The if condition checks if the user’s age is 18 or above.

• The else part runs if the condition is not met.

Output Example:

Enter your age: 20
You are eligible to vote.

or

Enter your age: 15
Sorry, you are too young to vote.

This is the beginning of decision-making in Python a key skill for any coder.

Step 8: Use Loops to Repeat Tasks

Now imagine you want to print a message multiple times without retyping.
You can use a 

for loop:

for i in range(5):
    print("Python is fun!")

This will print:

Python is fun!
Python is fun!
Python is fun!
Python is fun!
Python is fun!

Why This Matters

Loops automate repetitive tasks a fundamental concept for data processing, web scraping, and automation.

Step 9: Functions Your Code’s Building Blocks

Functions help organize and reuse your code.

Here’s how to define a simple function:

def greet_user(name):
    print("Hello,", name, "Have a great day!")

greet_user("Alex")
greet_user("Maya")

Output:

Hello, Alex Have a great day!
Hello, Maya Have a great day!

You’ve just created a custom function!
Functions are key to scaling your code and keeping it clean.

Step 10: Combine Everything into a Mini Project

Let’s bring all the concepts together and create a short, functional script.

Goal:

Create a script that greets the user, checks their age, and repeats a motivational message.

def greet_user(name):
    print("Hello,", name, "Welcome to Python!")

def check_age(age):
    if age < 18:
        print("You're learning Python early. Great start!")
    else:
        print("It's never too late to learn coding!")

def repeat_message(message, times):
    for i in range(times):
        print(message)

name = input("Enter your name: ")
age = int(input("Enter your age: "))

greet_user(name)
check_age(age)
repeat_message("Keep coding and growing!", 3)

Example Output:

Enter your name: Alex
Enter your age: 21
Hello, Alex Welcome to Python!
It's never too late to learn coding!
Keep coding and growing!
Keep coding and growing!
Keep coding and growing!

That’s your first complete Python program written and understood in under 10 minutes!

Step 11: Save, Run, and Experiment

The key to mastering Python is experimentation.
Try modifying the code:

• Change the number of repetitions.

• Add more personalized messages.

• Combine user input with new features like math operations.

For instance, you can ask for two numbers and calculate their sum:

a = int(input("Enter first number: "))
b = int(input("Enter second number: "))
print("The sum is:", a + b)

Boom you’ve just created a basic calculator!

Step 12: Common Python Errors (and How to Fix Them)

Don’t worry if you run into errors. Every programmer does!
Here are a few common ones you might see:

Debugging helps you learn faster and think logically.

Step 13: Level Up Next Steps After Your First Script

You’ve taken your first step, but Python has so much more to explore.

Here’s what you can learn next:

1. Data Types in Depth: Lists, tuples, and dictionaries

2. File Handling: Read and write data to files

3. Modules and Libraries: Use tools like NumPy and Pandas

4. Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): Learn classes and objects

5. Real Projects: Automate tasks, analyze data, or build web apps

If you want a structured learning path, consider joining a Python Certification Course Online program that offers step-by-step guidance, real-world projects, and career-focused mentorship.

Key Takeaways

• You can write and run a complete Python script in under 10 minutes.

• Python’s simplicity makes it ideal for absolute beginners.

• You learned how to:

  • Print text and use variables

  • Accept user input

  • Use loops and conditionals

  • Define and call functions

  • Combine all into a mini-project

• The next step is consistent practice and hands-on coding.

Final Thoughts: From 10 Minutes to a Lifetime of Coding

Mastering your first Python script is more than just a quick tutorial it’s your entry ticket into the world of technology. In less than 10 minutes, you’ve learned how to make your computer respond to your commands, perform logic, and automate tasks.

Python isn’t just a programming language it’s a gateway to data analytics, machine learning, AI, web development, and more. Whether you’re a student, job seeker, or working professional, learning Python Programming Online today can transform your career tomorrow.

So keep coding, experimenting, and learning and soon, “Hello, World!” will be just the beginning of your coding journey.